Looking for some local tree lightings to celebrate around Philly? We’ve got you covered.
Manayunk
The first on this list is also among the first to happen in the city, with the official Manayunk Tree Lighting set to take place this Thursday, Nov. 16. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. at Canal View Park (4418 Main St.) with some entertainment provided by The City Belles, Maggie Mae, Koser, and even Santa himself will be on site. While there, Philadelphians will also be able to meet and greet with Kris Kringle (or write him letters) before the main event (which will happen at 7 p.m.)
As a release states, the tree lighting also coincides with the official launch of the 4th annual Manayunk Gets LIT decorating competition between 50+ businesses in the district. After the celebration and the tree lighting, guests, neighbors and visitors are invited to walk up and down Main Street to take in the lights or stop by Taqueria Amor for the Senor Grinch Christmas Pop-up that also opens the same night.
4418 Main St., manayunk.com
Northern Liberties
Happening at the end of this month on Nov. 28, the Northern Liberties tree lighting ceremony and party will take place that night from 6 to 8 p.m. The family-friendly ceremony and program will include the Beauty and the Beast Princess by A Dash of Magic Events, a special music performance, plus, representatives from the Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association will be on hand collecting toys, items and donations for Operation Santa.
Philadelphians who attend will also receive complimentary hot cocoa, coffee and cookies from Bagels and Co., plus complimentary pizza samples from Figo Pizzeria.
1033 N. 2nd St., explorenorthernliberties.org
Old City District and Betsy Ross House
The seventh annual Historic Holidays in Old City Tree Lighting presented by The Ryland will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 29, with festivities starting at 5:30 p.m. and Santa arriving by fire truck at 6 p.m. at the Betsy Ross House courtyard (239 Arch Street), a release states. The tree, which was designed by Old City’s Petit Jardin en Ville (a Parisian florist and garden designer) will act as the centerpiece of it all.
On top of the lighting, other activities to take place that evening include performances by the Philadelphia Dance Academy, The Nutcracker and holiday songs from the Upper Darby High School Encore Singers.
239 Arch St., oldcitydistrict.org
East Passyunk Annual Tree Lighting
Kicking off for another year at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 29, the East Passyunk Annual Tree Lighting will also mark the start of the area’s Deck the Ave month-long holiday campaign (a full list of events happening for this is available online.)
The lighting, which will take place by The Singing Fountain will also feature carol singers, the Coppin Home Band, Quaker City String Band and more. Plus Santa will be there to greet guests and mark the occasion.
Evil Genius Beer Company Fishtown Tree Lighting
Evil Genius is commemorating the holidays with their own tree lighting ceremony, which will be taking place on Thursday, Nov. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. (the official lighting will happen at 7:30 p.m.) On top of lighting the 20-foot indoor tree, Evil Genius will also be hosting carolers, photo stations and other surprises.
Philadelphians can pair the occasion with Evil Genius Beer Company’s famous holiday beer, Santa! I Know Him! as well, and the festive Saison, 7.2% ABV is now in cans everywhere Evil Genius is sold.
1727 N Front St., evilgeniusbeer.com
Roxborough Tree Lighting Ceremony and Happy Holidays from Rox Kick-Off
Roxborough expanded this year to a 3-day holiday event with a new indoor pop-up market beginning Friday, Dec. 8, at Pocket Park. There, over 20 unique crafters, artists, treats, and beverages will fill the space next to the park (previously the Royal Bargain Dollar Store), a release states. The tree lighting ceremony will kick off the weekend at 5:30 p.m. with five Douglas Fir’s, and two of these trees will serve as “wishing trees”, inviting children to decorate wooden ornaments and inscribe their heartfelt wishes, the release also states. Live music will also be on site.
6170 and 6174 Ridge Ave., roxboroughpa.com
